Serial number mask and check digit for electronic registration system (ERS)

ABSTRACT

A method and system for efficiently handling the acquisition of serial number information from products at, for example, a point of sale system in a retail store or the like utilizes a serial number mask ( 4 ) to generically define attributes of a serial number format. The serial number mask characterizes the serial number format and includes at least a first character that describes variables of the serial number format. With this method and system, an electronic registration system can be used to reduce or prevent improper returns of consumer products.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/159,432, filed Oct. 14, 1999 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/198,655, filed Apr. 20, 2000,the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Additionally, the present application is related to the followingcommonly-owned applications;

-   -   PCT/US99/26460 filed Nov. 10, 1999 (claiming priority from U.S.        Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/108,170 filed Nov. 13, 1998        and 60/119,631 filed Feb. 11, 1999);    -   U.S. application Ser. No. 09/065,552 U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,172        filed Apr. 24, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.        application Ser. No. 08/725,259 filed Oct. 2, 1996 (now U.S.        Pat. No. 6,018,719); and    -   U.S. application Ser. No. 09/362,187 U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,663        filed Jul. 28, 1999 (which is a continuation of U.S. application        Ser. No. 08/725,259 filed Oct. 2, 1996 and Ser. No. 09/314,023        filed May 19, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,018,719 and 5,978,774,        respectively)).

Each of the noted applications and patents is incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of product serial numbers and theiruse in connection with an electronic registration system for suchproducts. More particularly, the instant invention provides a method andsystem for efficiently handling the acquisition of serial numberinformation from products at, for example, point of sale (POS) system ina retail store or the like. In addition, the instant invention providesmanufacturers of products with an efficient, effective and versatilesystem for defining a serial number mask in connection with eachuniversal product code (UPC), and which enables the serial numbersdefined in accordance with the particular mask to be easily andaccurately acquired by a POS system upon purchasing of the product foruse by an electronic registration system (ERS) for the purchasedproducts.

The instant invention is particularly advantageous when used inconnection with, for example, an electronic product registration systemdesigned to be used with different products and/or different productmanufacturers. Examples of electronic registration systems (ERS) inwhich the instant invention may be used are described in the above-notedpatent applications.

These electronic registration systems (ERS) facilitate compliance withreturn policies and are useful in reducing improper or fraudulentproduct returns under warranty, and may also provide relatedfunctionality to third parties and the like. Such electronicregistration systems may also enable real time data storage andretrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactiondata and product return/warranty repair eligibility. These ERS systemsalso enable efficient handling of product return transactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The noted ERS systems generally require that product serial numberinformation be captured at the time of product purchase. Thus, the POSsystem or register needs to have the capability of scanning or otherwiseacquiring the serial number information for purchased products for latertransmittal to the ERS system. It is important in these ERS systems toverify the validity of serial numbers prior to storing them in the ERSdatabase. The ability to collect and process a wide range of serialnumbers without compromising the quality of the data collected isimportant to successful implementation of the ERS system. Typically,collection and implementation of serial numbers has required specificprogramming to ensure that the quality of the data collected is sound.It is thus desirable to develop generalized serial number handlingcapabilities that support implementation of a variety of serial numberformats and also allow for an easy transition to allowing a single scanto identify a product and its serial number. The instant invention isdesigned to, for example, provide an improved method of defining serialnumbers for each Universal Product Code (UPC), which method improves theefficiency and accuracy of ERS systems and/or other systems in whichsuch information is utilized.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of genericallydefining attributes of a serial number format includes defining a serialnumber mask that characterizes the serial number format, and providingthe serial number mask with at least a first character that describesvariables of the serial number format. The serial number mask may beprovided with a second character that describes a check digit of theserial number format and/or a third character that describes constantsof the serial number format. In the context of a check digit, a checkdigit algorithm may be attached to the serial number mask, which definesa manner of calculating the check digit of a particular serial number.In this context, the check digit algorithm is defined with sixarguments, including starting position, ending position, direction,multiplier, multiplier position and multiplier reduction.

The step of providing the serial number mask with at least a firstcharacter may include providing the serial number mask with a pluralityof the first characters corresponding to a number of variable digits inthe serial number format. The serial number mask may be provided with afourth character that describes a special constant identifier. In thiscontext, the special constant identifier may be one of a UPC code for aproduct, a model number for the product, and a vendor specific code forthe product, wherein the fourth character is different for eachdifferent special constant identifier.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an informationprocessing system having a product registration database containinginformation on purchased products and return criteria for purchasedproducts stores the information by product serial number according tothe serial number mask of the present invention. The serial numberformat for each purchased product includes an associated serial numbermask.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method ofreducing improper returns of consumer products includes receiving serialnumber formats of the consumer products, defining serial number masksthat characterize the serial number formats, respectively, providing theserial number masks with at least a first character that describesvariables of the serial number format, and storing a productregistration program that effects storing and maintenance of a productregistration database at a time of product purchase in accordance withthe serial number masks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary product serial number and serial number maskaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of using a serial numbermask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The method and system of the instant invention enables significantflexibility for manufacturers in assigning serial numbers, while alsoassuring that the serial numbers can be efficiently and accuratelycaptured during a purchase transaction for use by an ERS.

A serial number can consist of three parts: constants, numeric variablesand a check digit. According to manufacturer preferences, the constantsand check digit are optional, and only the numeric variables arerequired. The serial number constants, variables and check digit neednot necessarily maintain positional integrity to be masked according tothe present invention. Moreover, typically, serial numbers are not casesensitive.

An example of a serial number 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The serial number10 contains constants 12, numeric variables 14, and a check digit 16.The total length of the serial number is eleven (11) digits.

The constants 12 are a part of the serial number that does not chancefrom serial number to serial number. There may be multiple constants inany given serial number format. They may be either a number, letter orspecial character, and they may be located in any portion of the serialnumber and there may be more than one constant block. Generally,constants can be any value. In some instances, constants may representspecial values such as product number, model number, or UPC.

Variables 14 are the portion of the serial number that varies fromnumber to number. The variables must typically be numeric, and it ispreferred that there be only one variable section within a serial numberformat. Multiple variable sections in a single serial number can besupported by the ERS systems discussed above. In this context, whenmultiple variable sections are defined in a serial number, one of themultiple sections can be defined as a primary variable that is used toperform additional checks within the ERS application, including settinga lowest serial number that is valid for registration.

The check digit 16 allows for additional validation when a serial numberis captured. The check digit is calculated from one contiguous range ofthe serial number and preferably can only be a single number from 0 to9. The check digit is preferably located after the range on which it wascalculated. Check digit calculation can vary from serial number toserial number, and an exemplary calculation according to the exemplaryillustrated embodiment is discussed below.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, a serial number mask 20 genericallydefines attributes of a serial number format by including charactersthat characterize the serial number format. The generically definedattributes describe a serial number with upper and lower case charactersand numbers. Preferably, upper case characters and numbers describeconstant values that have no special meaning. Lower case characterspreferably describe constants that have special meaning or describevariables.

With reference to the serial number 10 shown in FIG. 1, the mask 20 forthe example serial number includes constants 22, defined as “NS” inpositions 1 and 2, variables 24 defined as lower case “x” in positions3–10, and a check digit 26 defined as a lower case “y” in position 11.

Since serial numbers are not case sensitive, the upper case “NS” couldrepresent any combinations of lower or upper case “NS” in a serialnumber (i.e., “NS,” “ns,” “Ns,” or “nS”). In some cases, the constantsection(s) of a serial number may represent some special meaning such asa UPC code for a product, a model number for the product, or a vendorspecific code for the product. For example, the following specialconstant identifiers can be used to identify these constants:

-   -   “a”—when the lower case “a” is used, it represents a constant        portion of the serial number that will be the UPC code for a        given product;    -   “b”—when the lower case “b” is used, it represents a constant        portion of the serial number that is the model number for that        product;    -   “c”—when the lower case “c” is used, it represents a constant        portion of the serial number that is used to identify the        product that is vendor specific (i.e., something other than a        model or UPC number).

The use of special format characters allows for additional processingagainst a serial number such as single scan product identification andserial number collection. As an example, consider the following UCCstandard format. For a product with UCC 128 standard format(01)004549663025(21)NS123456784, the mask for this could look like“(01)004549663025(21)NSxxxxxxxxy.” To allow additional flexibility,however, the following mask could also be used to represent the productserial number format “(01)aaaaaaaaaaaa(21)NSxxxxxxxxy.” In this case,the “a” segment is used to split out the product identification portionof the serial number.

Variables 24 in the mask refer to a fixed length portion of the serialnumber that may vary in value. This variable portion of the serialnumber gives the serial number its uniqueness to a particular product.As shown, the mask character to identify variables is “x.” Preferably,the variable portion of the serial number must be numeric and ascend invalue to effect minimum registration value edits. As discussed in thenoted related patent applications, it may be desirable to set a minimumregistration value for product return processing, so that fraudulentreturns can be minimized. For example, an older product having a serialnumber lower than the minimum registration value could be flagged by thesystem as invalid, thereby preventing product return.

The check digit section 26 of the serial number mask is described usinga lower case “y.” As noted and further described below, the check digitis a value that is calculated on at least a portion of the variable partof the serial number and possibly the entire serial number.

With respect to UPC and multiple mask definition, the use of UPC istypically to identify a product at point of sale. The UPC, however, isnot required in using masking. All that is required is that a producthas some unique identifier to relate to a mask or masks. Although it ispreferable that each product identifier have only one mask, it ispossible that a given product identifier may have more than one mask.This may be required when a product of the same UPC or productidentifier has more than one serial number format. Edits using the maskmust check for multiple mask definitions to ensure the validity of theserial number being collected. A special mask definition character suchas “i” can be used to maintain a high level of validity checking inspecial cases such as when engineering revision and/or color codes arebuilt into serial numbers. The special mask definition characters can beeffective for validity checking (e.g., length of the particular portionof a serial number), while ignoring the contents of that section of theserial number.

Consider the following exemplary serial number: 17563164PR1302C121. Themask for this serial number could be: “xxxxxxxxPR1302C121.” The lastfour digits of this number, however, in this example are the engineeringcode for this product and could change several times a year, requiringthe definition of a mask for each unique engineering code. A better wayto implement masking in this context is to use the “i” specialdefinition character. In this context, the mask would be“xxxxxxxxPR1302iiii.” Thus, one mask will work for all serial numberseven if the serial number changes according to a modified engineeringcode.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary flow diagram, illustrating a process of using themask. Generally, the process encompasses the comparison of the serialnumber collected from a particular product against a predefined formatof that serial number to see if the serial number collected is valid.The predetermined format is the mask according to the present invention.

At a point of sale, in step 1, a retailer or the like scans a UPC codefrom a product being purchased. A computer or like informationprocessing system compares the scanned UPC to corresponding numbersstored in a table to determine whether this product is included in theERS application, such as a SiRAS program (step 2). The product serialnumber is then scanned in step 3. Based on the UPC, the system finds thestored serial number mask in step 4. In step 5, the system compares allmasks to determine if the serial number is a valid serial number. Asshown, the scanned UPC has two masks (NSxxxx and NUxxxx), although it ispreferred that each product correspond only to one mask. In theillustrated example, however, two masks are associated with the scannedUPC. As shown, the first mask is compared, and it is determined that themask failed. When the second mask is compared, the mask is passed, andin step 6, the system determines that the serial number is valid.

A check digit for a serial number is generally known, and any number ofcheck digit algorithms could be implemented with the serial numbersaccording to the present invention. As noted above, it is preferablethat the check digit be a single number from 0 to 9.

Using the example serial number shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary procedurefor determining a check digit will be described. In this example, sixarguments are addressed and answered to define how the check digit iscalculated. Of course, these arguments are only answered when a checkdigit is placed in the mask. The arguments include:

-   1. Starting position of the range used to calculate the check digit.    (3)-   2. Ending position of the range used to calculate the check digit.    (10)-   3. Directional as Left to Right, or Right to Left (R-L)    -   When taking the example 12345678, and trying to determine which        numbers are in an even position, and which numbers are in an odd        position, this tells the algorithm which direction to start        from. In this case, the direction is from right to left. Thus        all odd position numbers are 8, 6, 4, and 2. All even position        numbers are 7, 5, 3 and 1.-   4. Multiplier of odd or even positioned numbers. (3)    -   In the example above, the multiplier chosen is 3. This is a        number that can range from 1 to 9, and is set by the client        (e.g. manufacturer).-   5. Multiply on all odd positions or even positions (O). See argument    3.    -   In the example above, the odd position numbers are multiplied        by 3. This is also decided by the client (e.g. manufacturer).-   6. Reduce single multiplier. (N)    -   When multiplying the positional numbers by the multiplier 3,        there are two ways the multiplication can be performed. First,        the sum of all the numbers can be multiplied by 3, or each        number can be multiplied by 3, and reduce the value to a single        digit. See below for each technique. For the example serial        number, the first option will be used.

(1) 8 + 6 + 4 + 2 = 20 · 3 = 60 Multiply Reduce (2) 8 · 3 = 24 2 + 4 = 66 · 3 = 18 1 + 8 = 9 4 · 3 = 12 1 + 2 = 3 2 · 3 = 6 (no reductionneeded) 6 + 9 + 3 + 6 = 24

-   -    Notice with option (1), the value is 60, but with option (2)        the value is 24. Each option will produce a different result.        For this example serial number, option (1) will be used.        When each of the six arguments are answered, the definition is        stored in the following notation:    -   3,10,R-L,3,O,N        Therefore, the value of the check digit is calculated as        follows:

ODD POSITIONS 8 + 6 + 4 + 2 = 20 · 3 = 60 EVEN POSITIONS 7 + 5 + 3 + 1 =16 SUM OF RESULTS 16 + 60 = 76 LAST DIGIT OF RESULT 10 − 6 = 4SUBTRACTED FROM 10 (I.E., Mod 10)The check digit value based on the above definition would be 4.

-   So for the example NS123456784;-   Mask=Nsxxxxxxxxy-   Check Digit Algorithm=3,10,R-L,3,O,N

If the range for the check digit algorithm contains character constants(in the above example, if the starting position was “1” or “2”,character constants “N” or “NS” would be included in the algorithm), aconversion table must be picked from the list of conversion tables setup in the ERS system. If the range of data used to calculate the serialnumber does not have any alpha characters, then the conversion tabledoes not have to be assigned.

The following is an example conversion table definition used by the U.S.Postal Service:

-   -   A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7, H=8, I=9, J=10, K=11, L=12,        M=13, N=14, O=15, P=0, Q=1, R=2, S=3, T=4, U=5, V=6, W=7, X=8,        Y=9, Z=10        The conversion is effected by zeroing out the lower 4 bits of        each byte, thus producing the conversion number.

In another aspect of the invention, the mask may be defined in a mannerthat enables the system (ERS system, POS system, or other relatedsystem) to determine if the mask is a packaging mask or a product mask.A packaging mask is defined as a mask for serial numbers used only onpackaging for products, while a product mask is defined as a mask forserial numbers used only on actual products. One example embodiment ofthis feature of the invention is to define certain elements (such ascertain constants) in the mask to be used only with serial numbers onproduct packaging, and to define different constants for use only withserial numbers on actual products. In this manner, the POS or ERS systemcould determine upon reading the serial number whether the actualproduct or only the product packaging has been scanned or otherwiseobtained.

One benefit of this optional feature of the invention, is thatfraudulent returns can be minimized or prevented. More particularly, byusing this technique, the fraudulent return situation can be avoidedwhere a person purchases a new product with new packaging and thenreturns the new packaging with an old or different product therein forcredit or refund. The invention reduces this type of fraud by requiringthat an actual product be scanned, rather than only the packagingreturned with the product. In other words, the POS or ERS system couldbe programmed to recognize during a product return transaction whetheronly the packaging serial number has been scanned and prevent acceptanceof the return until the actual product is scanned, thereby assuring thatthe actual product, not just the packaging, qualifies for return.

The instant invention provides an advantageous method of enablingmanufacturers to assign a serial number mask for each UPC, while alsoenabling the serial numbers used to be easily captured during a producttransaction for input to an electronic registration system (ERS) or thelike. A POS system would then have access to information that wouldenable it to know what mask to use for each UPC, thereby enabling thecorrect serial number to be obtained and verified during the productpurchase transaction.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1. A method of reducing improper returns of consumer products, themethod comprising: receiving serial number formats of the consumerproducts; defining serial number masks that characterize the serialnumber formats, respectively; providing the serial number masks with atleast a first character that describes variables of the serial numberformat; storing a product registration program that effects storing andmaintenance of a product registration database at a time of productpurchase in accordance with the serial number masks; and providing theserial number mask with a second character that describes a check digitof the serial number format.
 2. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising providing the serial number mask with a third character thatdescribes constants of the serial number format.
 3. A method accordingto claim 1, further comprising attaching a check digit algorithm to theserial number mask, wherein the check digit algorithm defines a mannerof calculating the check digit of a particular serial number.
 4. Amethod according to claim 3, further comprising defining the check digitalgorithm with six arguments, including starting position, endingposition, direction, multiplier, multiplier position, and multiplierreduction.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofproviding the serial number mask with at least a first charactercomprises providing the serial number mask with a plurality of the firstcharacters corresponding to a number of variable digits in the serialnumber format.
 6. A method according to claim 5, further comprisingproviding the serial number mask with a fourth character that describesa special constant identifier.
 7. A method according to claim 6, whereinthe special constant identifier is one of a UPC code for a product, amodel number for the product, and a vendor specific code for theproduct, and wherein the fourth character is different for eachdifferent special constant identifier.